By Michael Gwarisa
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, has assured the nation that there is no crisis regarding the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and that there is no need for panic.
His statement comes amid growing anxiety among people living with HIV, some of whom have been approaching health facilities seeking refills beyond the stipulated three or six months. This follows the withdrawal of U.S. government health funding, which has supported HIV programs in Zimbabwe for years.
Speaking at a National AIDS Council (NAC) Editors and Station Managers Workshop, Dr. Maunganidze warned that sensational media reporting on the ARV situation could create unnecessary panic and lead to shortages.
I am glad that I am speaking to editors who appreciate these issues. Otherwise, as we navigate funding gaps, insensitive or unfounded reports can make people panic. Some individuals may start stockpiling medication. Where we were providing three or six months’ supplies, people might try to secure a two-year supply. This disrupts the entire system and could result in real shortages,” said Dr. Maunganidze.
He acknowledged that Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has been affected by the abrupt cessation of funding from foreign partners. However, he emphasized that the government is working on permanent and sustainable financing models.
“As a ministry, we are taking steps to ensure that our people, especially those on antiretroviral therapy, are not severely affected. We know that ARVs must be taken consistently, as breaks can lead to drug resistance. Some of the measures we have taken include advocating for increased budget allocations and reprioritizing our own budget to safeguard key areas of HIV service delivery and prevention,” he said.
Dr. Maunganidze also highlighted the government’s push to implement a National Health Insurance scheme, which could help secure additional funding for HIV programs.
“We believe that National Health Insurance will be instrumental in unlocking sustainable financing for the health sector. Additionally, we are redistributing staff to ensure that services previously covered by withdrawn donor support continue. While this situation is unfortunate, it serves as a necessary wake-up call. We cannot rely on donors forever. Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, has resources. If we prioritize properly, we should be able to fund our own healthcare system,” he added.
Zimbabwe has yet to meet the Abuja Declaration target, which calls for 15% of the national budget to be allocated to healthcare. This shortfall has left many programs heavily dependent on foreign donor aid, making the recent funding cut even more impactful.
Meanwhile, NAC Operations Director Mr. Raymond Yekeye confirmed that the recent reduction in U.S. funding has halted several programs and negatively affected communities that rely on them.
“We have witnessed a shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding humanitarian, health, and development aid, leading to stop-work orders on key programs. This calls for serious discussions on how we can protect and sustain the gains we have made in the HIV response,” said Mr. Yekeye.
He emphasized that despite Zimbabwe’s progress in reducing new HIV infections and expanding treatment coverage, HIV remains a public health priority that requires ongoing investment and commitment.
“We cannot afford complacency. The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over, and ensuring continuity in treatment and prevention programs is critical,” he said.
The withdrawal of U.S. health funding has sent shockwaves across Zimbabwe’s HIV response sector, affecting not only treatment but also prevention programs, community outreach, and support services. Civil society organizations have raised concerns that the funding gap may reverse the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Many fear that without alternative funding sources, access to lifesaving ARVs and related healthcare services could become increasingly uncertain for thousands of Zimbabweans.
